Number theory has numerous uses

One of the fun ways to get started in mathematics at an early age s via number theory. It does not require deep, esoteric knowledge of concepts of mathematics to get started, but as you explore and experiment, you will learn a lot and also you will have a ball of time writing programs in basic number theory. One of the best references I have come across is “A Friendly Introduction to Number Theory” by Dr. Joseph Silverman. It is available on Amazon India.

Well, number theory is not just pure math; as we all know, it is the very core of cryptography and security in a world transforming itself to a totally digital commerce amongst other rapid changes. Witness, for example, the current intense debate about opening up an iPhone (Apple vs. FBI) and some time back, there was the problem with AES Encrypted Blackberry messaging services in India.

Number theory is also used in Digital Signal Processing, the way to filter out unwanted “noise” from an information signal or “communications signal.” Digital Signal Processing is at the heart of modem technology without which we would not be able to have any real computer networks.

There was a time when, as G H Hardy had claimed that number theory is the purest of all sciences as it is untouched by human desire. Not any more !!!

Can you imagine a world without numbers ?? That reminds me of a famous quote: “God created the natural numbers, all the rest is man-made.” (Kronecker).